With live music, raffles and the open road, the benefit attracted more than 200 bikers to the American Legion in Endicott.

The bikers put on their helmets, hopped on their rides and took off on a 90-mile road trip through four counties around the Southern Tier.

Organizers say the event began in the early 2000s, when local bikers took off for the weekend to avoid Highland Park traffic on the Fourth of July.

As the ride became a tradition, they decided to do it for a cause.

"We got on the internet, found the Children of Fallen Soldiers," said Mike Grozier, an organizer.

"I know we have a lot of rides to support our military and our soldiers and it goes directly to them, but this one, God forbid if their father or mother can't come home, this helps support their family," said event organizer Sean King.

A member of the Broome County Sheriff's Office assisted the bikers as they made their way around the Southern Tier.